Nick Goepper

“It is so nice to have a virgin experience at this stage in my life,” says Michael Feinstein. “And so I will be coming with great expectations but no attachment to any particular driver.”

“I really want people to know how my story started and the values and hard work that I embody,” he says. “A lot of my friends are from these amazing mountain towns. I want people to know that where I come from, it’s different. I hope it says something about my character.”

@ChetStrange: “My whole day is ruined cause Ellen ain’t on the tv! These god dang Olympics!” #overheardatthediner

As the 30-year-old Pacers star, Granger, heads east to Philly, the Hoosier-bred Goepper, just 19 years young, is clearly ready to stake out his space in this state’s sports lore.

The two-time X Games gold-medal winner claimed his second in slopestyle skiing over the weekend. He’ll also compete in Sochi at the Olympics next month.